Southern Lodging Summit @ Memphis to Host Ninth Annual Conference Aug. 23--24

MEMPHIS, TN,  Aug.1, 2011—Officials of the Southern Lodging Summit @ Memphis, an annual gathering of hoteliers specializing in development and operations in the southern United States, today announced it will host its ninth annual conference August 23-24 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

 The day-and-a-half conference will kick off with the organization’s signature luncheon event that provides conference-goers with an opportunity to network and interact with the roster of industry notables scheduled as speakers.

“While the industry has seen growth in occupancy and to a lesser degree rate since last year’s conference, savvy owners and operators still realize the importance of face-to-face networking, the sharing of ideas and best practices and learning what their peers are experiencing,” said Chuck Pinkowski (lower left photo) president of Pinkowski & Company and conference co-founder.

 “The Southern Lodging Summit @ Memphis provides the perfect forum that allows attendees, including owners, operators, lenders and developers, to do just that.”

Following a continental breakfast at the Memphis Cook Convention Center on Wednesday, August 24, the conference begins in earnest with Governor Bill Haslam (top left photo) and Mayor A.C. Wharton (middle right photo)  invited to speak on the importance of tourism to the state and the region.

 Next, Marlene Colucci (top right photo) executive vice president for public policy, will present AH&LA’s latest legislative update.  Randy Smith from Smith Travel Research will follow, providing an overview of the hospitality industry at both the national and local Memphis market levels.

 The President’s Panel, moderated by Isaac Collazo, vice president of performance strategy and planning for Intercontinental Hotels, will launch the mid-morning portion of the conference.  This year’s participating industry leaders include Jerry Cataldo, Hostmark Hospitality; Chad Crandell, Capital Hotel Management; Warren Fields, Pyramid Advisors; and David Pepper, Choice Hotels International.

 Peter Yesawich, chair and CEO of YPartnership, will give the luncheon keynote speech.  .

For the second year in a row, the conference will conclude with a special panel focusing on Social Media/eCommerce.  Hosted by Jeff Higley, editorial director of HotelNewsNow.com and STR Global, this year’s panel, “Social Media 2.0,” will build upon last year’s foundation.

 Panel participants include Ted Raynor, attorney, Burch Porter & Johnson; Chris Jackson, vice president, GCommerce; Justin Holmerud, field marketing social media, mobile & video, Starwood Hotels & Resorts; Sandee Swearingen, regional sales director, TIG Global/MICROS e-Commerce Services; and Jerry Stafford, regional director of revenue management, Davidson Hotels & Resorts.

The conference will wrap with closing remarks by the general manager of the Elvis Presley Heartbreak Hotel and current president of MMHLA, Mary Calorio, followed by a $1,000 cash giveaway event sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Contact: Chris Daly, media, (703) 435-6293, chris@dalygray.com